A US spying law expires amid distrust of Trump moves on national security

Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act expired on June 12, 2024, after Congress missed its reauthorization deadline, raising uncertainty about continued surveillance capabilities. Experts suggest existing certifications may allow intelligence agencies to maintain operations until March 2027, but lawmakers and civil liberties advocates warn of potential legal challenges and temporary disruptions. Debates over targeting Americans in surveillance and recent political developments, including President Trump's announcement of Bill Pulte as interim director of national intelligence, have complicated negotiations.